| 摘要 |
<p>A new memory factor Volado is described along with the corresponding gene, protein sequences, and two mutants identified as Vol1 and Vol2. The locus encodes two isoforms of a novel α-integrin expressed preferentially in mushroom body cells. Volado mutants display an impairment of olfactory memories within 3 minutes after training, indicating an essential role for the integrin in short-term memory processes. Conditional expression of a Volado transgene during adulthood rescues the memory impairment. This rescue of memory is reversible, fading over time along with expression of the transgene. The present invention provides a novel method for screening for cognitive enhancers using the volado and integrin proteins. This procedure involves inserting a gene sequence and coding for a volado or integrin protein into test cells in culture under conditions where said gene sequence expresses the volado or integrin protein in said test cell, adding a test compound to the cell culture or cell homogenate, and measuring the effect of test compound and the activity of the volado or integrin proteins. This screening procedure can also be used in organisms such as Drosophila flies.</p> |
